Old Blog Posts | Wholesale Diamond Engagement Rings Tampa FL Save Thousands over Brilliant Earth(Open to Public) - Part 2
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What makes one diamond better than another?


Calling any diamond “great” is like calling a top of the line Cadillac, “the Cadillac of Cadillacs“.  It’s a metaphorical redundancy.  Nothing matches a diamond for representing a gift of love, because NOTHING can match a real diamond.  Only a diamond can be the representative of everlasting love, because only diamonds take millions of years to make and are hard as, well, diamonds.  But saying all diamonds are the same is like saying all Cadillacs are the same – they aren’t.  So, what makes one diamond better than another? Clarity, size, cut, and color.  In this article, we’ll focus on clarity.

In the Beginning…

Diamond Clarity Scale
Diamond Clarity Scale

The mineral, diamond is created 87 to 120 miles deep into the earth and actually started out as vegetation (trees and plants) which grew on the earth millions of years ago.  The vegetation died, decayed, sank deep into the ground and over millions of years was covered with layers of rock and other minerals creating tons of pressure.  As the vegetation dried up and hardened, it turned into peat, then into coal, and eventually into diamond.

Perfectly Imperfect

Diamond Clarity is measured by “inclusions and defects”.  These descriptors are created as diamonds are expelled to the surface through volcanic activity.  With this in mind, finding a flawless diamond with perfect clarity is harder than winning the lottery and getting struck by lightning on the same day. A perfectly clear diamond with flawless characteristics is one that has been in ideal pressure conditions for the longest period of time and then extracted from deep within the earth.  There are no limits to how much you can spend on diamonds.

Measuring Up

In 1953, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created a scale to determine the clarity of diamonds. That scale is still used today.  In summary, it gives grades to diamonds based on the number of internal flaws (inclusions) and external flaws (defects). The more perfect the diamond, the higher the value.

The GIA diamond grading scale is divided into six categories and eleven grades.[1] The clarity categories and grades are:

Category Grade GIA diamond clarity grading scale
Flawless FL Diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.[2]
Internally Flawless IF Diamonds have no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, only small blemishes on the diamond surface.[2]
Very Very Slightly Included VVS1 Diamonds have minute inclusions that are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.[2] The VVS category is divided into two grades; VVS1 denotes a higher clarity grade than VVS2. Pinpoints and needles set the grade at VVS.[1]
Very Very Slightly Included VVS2
Very Slightly Included VS1 Category (VS) diamonds have minor inclusions that are difficult to somewhat easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x magnification.[2] The VS category is divided into two grades; VS1 denotes a higher clarity grade than VS2. Typically the inclusions in VS diamonds are invisible without magnification, however infrequently some VS2 inclusions may still be visible. An example would be on a large emerald cut diamond which has a small inclusion under the corner of the table.[1]
Very Slightly Included VS2
Slightly Included SI1 Diamonds have noticeable inclusions that are easy to very easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x magnification.[2] The SI category is divided into two grades; SI1 denotes a higher clarity grade than SI2. These may or may not be noticeable to the naked eye.[3]
Slightly Included SI2
Included I1 Diamonds have obvious inclusions that are clearly visible to a trained grader under 10x magnification.[2] Included diamonds have inclusions that are usually visible without magnification or have inclusions that threaten the durability of the stone. The I category is divided into three grades; I1 denotes a higher clarity grade than I2, which in turn is higher than I3. Inclusions in I1 diamonds often are seen to the unaided eye. I2 inclusions are easily seen, while I3 diamonds have large and extremely easy to see inclusions that typically impact the brilliance of the diamond, as well as having inclusions that are often likely to threaten the structure of the diamond.[1]
Included I2
Included I3

Tampa

Low Cost Rings is the preferred Tampa Bay Diamond Broker for those looking for the best value for their diamond ring purchase.  Paul Yost provides high quality wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and settings in the Tampa Bay areas of Clearwater, Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota.  LCR also services all of the Southeast United States, including major metro areas of Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, Atlanta, Georgia and Mobile, Alabama.

1.44CT Princess Halo Pave Diamond Engagement Ring GIA Certified and Appraised at $10,600 Price: $3,995

This is a 1.44CT Princess Halo Pave Diamond Engagement Ring. The center diamond is a GIA lab certified 0.94ct Princess Cut diamond. This diamond faces up Huge and looks much larger than a carat! The diamond is colorless with an E color grade with very good polish. This diamond has SI-1 clarity as well. This diamond was set on a 0.40ct Platinum 14kt white gold Halo Pave setting. There is also a 0.10ct matching band that is included as well. This ring can be resized at no charge.

This ring was just appraised by a GIA certified gemologist at an appraised value of $10,600.

If you would like to see the ring, please call 813-447-5577 and we can set up a meeting convenient for you.

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1.40CT Princess Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Certified and Appraised at $8,595 Price: $3,495

This is a 1.40CT Princess Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. The center diamond is a 1.00ct Princess Cut Diamond. This diamond has SI-2 clarity with good polish and symmetry. This Princess Cut diamond has near-colorless I color grade. The diamond has no fluorescence at all. This diamond was set on a 14kt White Gold Halo Setting. This setting contains 50 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds on the side weighing 0.40cts. This ring was appraised by a GIA certified gemologist and was appraised at $8,595.

The pictures provided are of the actual ring enlarged so you can see the detail. But to appreciate the ring, you really need to see it.

If you would like to see the ring, please call (813) 447-5577 and we can set up a meeting convenient for you.
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1CT Scott Kay Ring – Appr $10K

Stunning 0.99 CT Radiant Diamond Engagement/Wedding Scott Kay Ring. The center diamond is a GIA Lab certified 0.95 Radiant Cut diamond. This diamond faces up LARGER than a full Carat diamond.

The diamond is a “near colorless” G color with a clarity rating of a VS-2. This diamond has a “very-good” finish in polish and symmetry. The diamond was just placed on this NEW and RARE 19kt White Gold Scott Kay setting with additional diamonds of 0.04 Carats. This ring is truly unique and a must-see!!!  This would sell for over double the price at retail store!

This ring was just appraised by a GIA certified gemologist at an appraised value of $10,200.

The pictures provided are of the actual ring enlarged so you can see the detail. But to appreciate the ring, you really need to see it.

If you would like to see the ring, please call 813-447-5577 and we can set up a meeting convenient for you.

*The ring can be resized at no charge, click on pics below for more info*

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Diamond Color & Clarity Grades


Feel free to use the tools that we have provided for you here to better educate yourself about diamonds. The following tools will help you to understand the G.I.A Rating and Clarity scales. We want you to understand what you’re getting from us, or anywhere else for that matter, so that you get the best deals and know you’re buying what you’re told you’re buying.

GIA-Color-Grading-Scale
G.I.A. Diamond Clarity Scale

FL
Flawless
No internal or external flaws.

IF
Internally Flawless
No internal flaws but some minor surface imperfections.

VVS
Very, Very Small Inclusions
Minor inclusions that will not be seen face-up at 10x.

VS
Very Small Inclusions

Minor inclusions that very difficult to see face-up at 10x.

    SI
Small Inclusions

Small inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification but very difficult to see with unaided eye. Normally your “Best Buy”.

I
Obvious Inclusions

Contains inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye.


How Much To Spend For An Engagement Ring


There’s really no official rule on how much you should spend on an engagement ring. However, it has long been understood that a man is expected to spend about two months’ salary on this special token of love. For most people, setting a price tag on love seems rather tacky, so for argument, we’ll use “Paul’s Rule” of how to determine an acceptable minimum to spend on an engagement ring.

Obviously, a diamond engagement ring isn’t something you want to scrimp on. After all, this may be the most beautiful and meaningful token of love you ever give to your special someone. This ring will represent the strength of your commitment and love to your future life long partnership. However, you also don’t want to go so far into debt that it will cause severe financial distress and/or eventual animosity towards your beloved recipient.

Two months salary is a large sum of money when you consider all of the other things we’re paying for in our budget. The key to achieving this temporary extra expense in your life is pre-planning. Remember, the amount you pay for an engagement ring will impact your finances jointly, as a future couple. So purchase a ring that strikes the perfect balance between love and responsibility.

Some simple math and helpful advice from your married friends may give you a greater advantage of finding the perfect ring.

It may even be possible to go over and beyond the original amount you were prepared to spend. If you will spend some time researching prices and talking directly to diamond and jewel dealers, you may find it easy to upgrade your engagement ring purchase value by up to 50 percent. The experts are prepared to understand your situation. They can help you find that engagement ring worth 2 months’ salary and may be able to get it to you for only one month’s salary. If you would rather spend more, then you may be able to get a four months’ salary engagement ring for the price of two. Remember to shop around and gather opinions from different people.


LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS VS EARTH MINED

Lab Grown Diamonds have grown in popularity over the past several years and are a viable choice when shopping for a diamond engagement ring. However, the idea might be met with some skepticism. A diamond that is considered ‘synthetic’ and professionally grown in a laboratory may not line up with your notions of romance. But take a few moments to familiarize yourself with Lab Grown Diamonds. You might find your pleasantly surprised by this option.

Brenda Harwick, the manager of on campus and lab gemology instruction for GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, suggests, “When you’re making an investment in something as precious as this, you should ask for a grading report.”

The idea of a Natural Diamond is comfortable. It’s how people have been doing things for centuries and there is an attractive passion and dependability in choosing a Natural Diamond. Here’s what you should consider when deciding between lab created diamonds vs natural stones.

What is a Lab Created Diamond?

A lab grown diamond is one that has been manufactured in a controlled laboratory environment. Using the popular methods of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), scientists can now create diamonds that optically look like earth-mined diamonds, contain the same chemical and physical attributes and even receive certification through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Are Lab Diamonds Real?

Oh yes. Lab Grown Diamonds are just as real as diamonds that are mined from the earth. They have shape, size, color and clarity grades, just like Natural Diamonds. Both Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties and both come with diamond certifications.

Lab Diamonds vs. Natural – What do the Experts Say?

Visually, Natural Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds are exactly the same with the same hardness level and durability. In 2018 the Federal Trade Commission recognized Lab Diamonds as real. But do lab created diamonds test as real? Yes. In fact, The Gemological Institute of America, (GIA) “has been grading laboratory-grown diamonds since 2007. Beginning July 1, 2019, GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports and identification reports no longer use the term “synthetic.” The GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report includes the standard GIA color, clarity and cut grading scales for reference purposes.”

Lab Made Diamonds

Lab Diamonds vs. “Real” Diamonds – What are the Differences?

The differences between Natural Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds cannot be seen with the naked eye. Natural Diamonds have tiny amounts of nitrogen, while Lab Grown Diamonds have no nitrogen. This is actually one of the signifiers gemologists use to identify if a diamond is lab grown or natural.

Natural diamonds are created under the pressure of earth’s crust over millions of years, then they are mined, cut and polished. A Lab Grown Diamond is placed through the same circumstances, only in a lab setting. In fact, the process used to create a Lab Grown Diamond cuts down the grow time significantly, from millions of years to a couple of months. Then, the Lab Diamond is also cut and polished.

How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

Lab Grown Diamonds are sometimes referred to as man-made, synthetic, cultured or artisan. The interchangeable language can leave a consumer confused. But each phrase is denoting the same thing, a certified diamond that was ‘grown’ in a Lab. Sometimes Lab Grown Diamonds are referred to as CVD or HPHT, this simply denotes the process used to create the diamond.

Lab Made Diamonds – Two Popular Methods

There are two processes used to create Lab Grown Diamonds:

Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamonds

The first process is called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). A “seed crystal,” which is a very small diamond seed, is placed in a small chamber. The chamber is then filled with gases that are heated. Once the gases reach the right temperature, layers of carbon begin to form on the seed crystal. This causes the seed to grow and create a square-shaped diamond crystal.

High Pressure High Temperature Diamonds

The second process is called High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) . This is meant to replicate the earth’s process of forming Natural Diamonds. In this process, natural graphite is placed in a large machine that crushes it with extreme pressure and temperatures. Under these conditions, the graphite turns into a diamond.

What is the Difference Between CVD and HPHT Diamonds?

You cannot tell the difference between a CVD and HPHT diamond with the naked eye. Both methods create a real diamond that is chemically and physically similar to natural diamonds. When it comes to grading Lab Grown Diamonds, the same 4 Cs: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat are applied.

Just like the argument of Natural Diamond vs Lab Grown, the argument of which process is ‘better’ is complex. An experienced Jeweler can help you navigate these waters.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Good?

Generally speaking, the answer is Yes. A perfectly cut, internally flawless diamond is quite expensive and rare whether it is a Lab Grown Diamond or a Natural Diamond. Lab Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds exhibit varying amounts of internal “inclusions” likened to fingerprints and are referenced and graded accordingly by accredited gemological labs. Lower clarity graded Lab Grown or Natural Diamonds may have inclusions that can be seen by the “naked eye”. The cut & color is also very important in determining whether a diamond is excellent, very good, good, or poor.

Pros of Buying a Lab Grown Diamond

Lab Grown Diamonds are approximately over 50% less than a Natural Diamond, which means you can purchase a significantly larger diamond and truthfully say it is a diamond and NOBODY BEATS LC Rings IN LAB GROWN DIAMONDS PRICES! The difference cannot be detected with the naked eye when comparing a Lab Grown Diamond and a Natural Diamond of equal characteristics of the 4 C’s. Lab Grown Diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as Natural Diamonds so they will be just as dazzling.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds more ethical?  Some think Lab Grown Diamonds are more ethical because there is no mining involved.  However, The Kimberley Process put in place in 2003, has successfully prevented the flow of conflict diamonds.

If your emphasis is not focused primarily on the resale value of the diamond, a Lab Grown Diamond is a good alternative to purchasing a more expensive Natural Diamond. To put it simply, you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Cons of Buying a Lab Grown Diamond

A Natural Diamond has a rarity factor.  Generally speaking, a natural diamond will hold its value better than a lab grown diamond because there is a finite supply. The basic laws of supply and demand maintain that as demand increases, especially with limited supply, value goes up. Grown Diamonds can be produced, they might not hold their value over time which means the resale prices could continue to depreciate as the market is flooded.

A Lab Grown Diamond circumvents the environmental and ethical issues that come with mining Natural Diamonds, but there are sustainability issues with Lab Grown Diamonds as well. An HPHT processed diamond needs huge amounts of energy due to the high heat required to produce a diamond. The CVD method requires the same amount of energy needed to power a home for a month.

GIA Certified Lab Created Diamonds and IGI Certification

Since Lab Grown Diamonds are the same chemically as a natural Diamond, they come with certification. Today, most Lab Grown Diamonds are certified by IGI, International Gemological Institute. An IGI diamond report will give an “accurate assessment of a diamond’s cut, color, clarity and carat weight according to strict international standards.” Additionally, Lab Grown Diamonds are being accepted and certified by the GIA, The Gemological Institute of America. GIA has developed sophisticated devices they use in order to screen and identify the difference between Natural Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds.

The price of Lab Grown Diamonds has dropped over the past few years and demand has grown. There Is a value for a Lab Grown Diamond, it just means the resale value is relatively new and will typically not match up with the resale value of natural diamonds.

Should I Get a Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a Lab Grown Diamond and a Natural Diamond. The choice is completely up to you. The most popular items to take into consideration when making the choice include your budget, your significant other’s preference, and whether or not you prioritize resale value.

The professionals  at LC Rings are here to help you navigate these choices. Contact us today at (813)447-5577 or email us at paul@lcrings.com for more information.

SH0P LAB-GROWN DIAMOND RING OPTIONS


Lab Diamond Frequently Asked Questions


💍 What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A Lab Grown Diamond is a real diamond that is made by scientists who recreate the same circumstances used by nature, only this process takes a few months instead of millions of years.


💍 Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes. A Lab Grown Diamond has the same chemical make up as ‘Natural’ Diamonds. They also come with a diamond certification.


💍 Are Lab Created Diamonds Worth Anything?

The price of Lab Grown Diamonds has dropped over the past few years, and some speculate that this trend will continue. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a resale value for a Lab Grown Diamond, it just means the resale value will be typically not match natural diamonds.


Why White Gold Turns Yellow


To make the rhodium last longer you can remove your jewelry while in hot tubs and swimming pools. You can also wear gloves while doing household cleaning. These precautionary steps can dramatically extend the life of re-plated white gold jewelry and are just good practice for any jewelry. The brightness of a re-plated ring will be the same or better than when the ring was new.

LC Rings offer 6 stage Ring Spa that includes:

1) Professionally checking all diamonds and gemstones in their settings
2) Tightening all stones, in prongs and channels, etc
3) Buffing
4) Polishing
5) Two-stage professional cleaning and then…
6) Rhodium plating
$99 for Rings not purchased at LC Rings, $50 per ring after
$50 for Rings purchased at LC Rings, $25 per ring after

LC Rings specializes in white gold, gold and platinum bands and rings. When you’re ready to make the most important purchase of your love life, consider LC Rings in your area. Call us to schedule an appointment

LC Rings has several hundred Engagement rings located in Tampa and we service the surrounding area of ST. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Brandon, Orlando, Lakeland, Riverview, Oldsmar, Lutz, Bradenton, Tarpon Springs, Plant City and more.

LC Rings has the Best engagement rings in all of Florida at the best pricing offered.   We give you personal attention with a jewelry professional that will educate you to make the best decision in the daunting process of finding the perfect ring for your significant other.

We have a large following all over Florida.  A large area of clients in Orlando of which I appreciate driving all the way to Tampa to get the personalized attention.

We also offer custom made engagement rings so if you want the one of a kind ring to set it a part from others we have you covered.  Can get most made around 2 week time frame.

We are NOT just a Jewelry store, we are a jewelry experience.

We save thousands over Mavilo’s, Ackerman’s, IDC, Brilliant Earth, Kay’s Jared’s & more!


Why Our Diamond Ring Prices Are So Low


At LC Rings, we’re continuously pressed to explain how we keep our prices on diamond rings, wedding bands, and settings so low. Well, the answer is very simple. We just don’t have the overhead costs of larger, commercial jewelry stores. Larger jewelry stores charge you for their staff, large advertising budget, large store front and their prime real estate frontage. Why pay for the all of that when all you want is a diamond ring that she will love forever?

On top of the wholesale cost of our precious stones and rings though, we offer a very private, professional & secure environment to shop for your perfect ring that will make you feel as though you have your own private jeweler – because that’s exactly what we are.

Selection
We have a great selection of rings with over 300 settings to choose from with many designer rings like Tacori, Ritani Scott Kay and more. We spend countless hours finding the best deals on diamonds, settings and bands from jewelry suppliers around the world, to guarantee you the best prices and best quality diamonds in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Orlando and the Tampa Bay area. While major jewelers will provide you a huge selection of overpriced rings and jewelry, we provide you only the best diamonds, rings, wedding bands and settings available at prices that are less than half of what commercial jewelers charge.

Our focus is on customer satisfaction and client referrals. We don’t charge the profit margins that commercial jewelers charge as we try to sell MORE rings, rather than sell less at a higher price. Your trust and friendship is far more important to us than a couple more dollars.

So, when you’re ready to make the most important purchase of your love life, consider LC Rings in the Tampa Bay area, and call us to schedule an appointment – 813-447-5577. We look forward to assisting you with your ring purchase.